Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs (Recipe Revisited)

Nope… it is still not a hot dog. But it IS a “hot dog.” Oh yes, the Carrot Hot Dog is back!

When I first posted this recipe for Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs awhile back, I had absolutely no idea that it would become as popular as it has. It is consistently my most viewed post on almost any given day. I guess vegetarians and vegans (meat-eaters, too!) really like hot dogs and want a veg-friendly way to eat them. How in the world so many people Google “carrot hot dog” sure beats me, but I am glad that so many of you have made your way to my blog as a result!

Now that Summer is in full swing and the Carrot Hot Dog has been extra popular during these grilling and barbecue months, I thought it was about time that I did a second post devoted to one of my favorite recipes. My pictures from the original post are not the greatest, and any recipe that gets thousands of views in the span of a week deserves TWO posts!

The rest of my recipes need to step up their game if they want to be this special. My Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole just may get there one of these days.

Since my original post, I have made these doggies numerous times. This time, however, I got a little crazy and used multi-colored carrots. That’s right. Orange (obviously), white, and purple carrot hot dogs. And don’t worry, they are just as delicious as the originals… but slightly prettier?

1. Boil carrots for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until fork tender but not mushy. After removing the carrots from the boiling water, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. While the carrots are cooking, whisk together the Bragg’s, water, vinegars, sesame oil, liquid smoke, garlic, and seasonings.

3. Combine the carrots and the marinade in a zipper gallon-size bag (I actually used two in case of a leak), or in an air-tight container. Shake gently until the carrots are coated with the marinade. Place the carrots in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

4. To cook the carrots, spray a medium skillet with olive oil cooking spray. Turn the heat to medium and place the carrots and about 1/2 cup of the marinade into the skillet. Heat the carrots for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm.

*Since the original recipe was posted, I have heard from several people that they have had success with grilling these… so you might want to give that a try!

I served one of my carrot hot dogs in a vegan wheat hot dog bun with sauerkraut, dill relish, onions, mustard, and ketchup. And for those of you who cannot find vegan hot dog buns, I served my second dog in a romaine lettuce leaf “bun” and it was delicious that way as well!

These may not be your traditional hot dogs, but I happen to think that is a good thing. At least you know all of the ingredients that go into making these babies! Vegetarians and vegans should not and do not have to miss out when it comes to Summertime barbecues. I hope you will give these hot dogs a try at your next get-together or for your next Summertime meal. You just may be surprised at how delicious they are!

I have not tried a carrot hot dog yet, but I need to! Last night I had a tofurky sausage with ketchup and mustard on top, and it was heaven. Veggie dogs are the best.
Em @ Love A Latte recently posted...Pregnancy Journey - 35 Weeks

I have never thought to use a carrot in place of a hot dog. I absolutely love this though!! It would be great to feel like I'm not missing out at summer cookouts!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted...Friday Five 23

I am so glad you posted this again because I recall wanting to make it, kinda forgetting about it, remembering it recently and now for sure going to do it!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted...Crumbs May Re-Open And Skipping A 5K Race

I am so glad you posted this again because I recall wanting to make it, kinda forgetting about it, remembering it recently and now for sure going to do it!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted...Crumbs May Re-Open And Skipping A 5K Race

Yup…this sounds like a winner!! We haven't had any veg hot dogs yet this summer!! I'd probably try grilling these up. It would be a perfect meal for that night I don't feel like preparing much!!
char eats greens recently posted...five things friday: i need your style help

Yes, I have not grilled them myself yet since I don't have a grill, but I have heard great things from others who have! And yes, once you get them marinated they are SUPER quick to prepare... gotta love it!

I loved them! I must confess I haven't eaten a "real" hotdog in at least 15 years, so I was totally like "this is exactly what hotdogs are like, right?!" and my boyfriend who conversely HAS eaten the occasional "real" hotdog in the past few years was like "umm, no, that's hilarious that you think these taste like real hotdogs. They so don't. They taste like marinated carrots." Well, lucky I freaking love marinated carrots then, ha!! And he still really liked them too. They are a winner of a recipe! It's amazing how much flavour depth there is after a day of marination. Definitely using this marination trick with more veggies from now on! Thanks for a superb recipe!